Preparation of poly(tetramethylene) glycol

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a process comprising using ionic liquids for preparing poly(tetramethylene) glycol from tetrahydrofuran.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/719,458, filed Sep. 22, 2005.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a method for preparing poly(tetramethylene) glycol.

BACKGROUND

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is polymerized to poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol which is useful in the preparation of Spandex fibers; polyurethane resins which are useful in elastomeric parts; and thermoplastic elastomers which are useful for molding various mechanical parts.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,346 describes a process for polymerizing cyclic ethers, including tetrahydrofurans, to linear polyethers by contacting the cyclic ethers with a metal catalyst and accelerator at elevated temperature. U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,562 describes a method for the production of polyether glycol by polymerizing tetrahydrofuran.

The present invention provides an improved process for the production of poly(tetramethylene) glycol in the presence of at least one ionic liquid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for preparing poly(tetramethylene) glycol comprising:

A) forming a reaction mixture comprising (1) tetrahydrofuran, (2) at least one catalyst, (3) at least one accelerator and (4) at least one ionic liquid having the Formula Z⁺A⁻, wherein Z⁺ is a cation selected from the group consisting of:

-   wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from     the group consisting of:     -   (i) H     -   (ii) halogen     -   (iii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or         cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at least         one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I,         OH, NH₂ and SH;     -   (iv) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or         cyclic alkane or alkene comprising one to three heteroatoms         selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, and optionally         substituted with at least one member selected from the group         consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH;     -   (v) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl or unsubstituted heteroaryl         having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the         group consisting of O, N and S; and     -   (vi) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl having         one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the group         consisting of O, N and S; and wherein said substituted aryl or         substituted heteroaryl has one to three substituents         independently selected from the group consisting of         -   (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or             cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at             least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl,             Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH,         -   (2) OH,         -   (3) NH₂, and         -   (4) SH; -   R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are independently selected from the group     consisting of:     -   (vii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or         cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at least         one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I,         OH, NH₂ and SH;     -   (viii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or         cyclic alkane or alkene comprising one to three heteroatoms         selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, and optionally         substituted with at least one member selected from the group         consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH;     -   (ix) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl, or C₃ to C₂₅ unsubstituted         heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently         selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and     -   (x) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl, or C₃ to C₂₅ substituted         heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently         selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and wherein         said substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl has one to three         substituents independently selected from the group consisting of         -   (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or             cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at             least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl,             Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH,         -   (2) OH,         -   (3) NH₂, and         -   (4) SH; -   wherein optionally at least two of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R^(6,) R⁷,     R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ can together form a cyclic or bicyclic alkanyl or     alkenyl group; and     -   A⁻ is R¹¹—SO₃ ⁻ or (R¹²—SO₂)₂N⁻; wherein R¹¹ and R¹² are         independently selected from the group consisting of:         -   (a) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or             cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at             least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl,             Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH;         -   (b) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or             cyclic alkane or alkene comprising one to three heteroatoms             selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, and             optionally substituted with at least one member selected             from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH;         -   (c) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl or unsubstituted heteroaryl             having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from             the group consisting of O, N and S; and         -   (d) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl             having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from             the group consisting of O, N and S; and wherein said             substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl has one to three             substituents independently selected from the group             consisting of:             -   (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched                 or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with                 at least one member selected from the group consisting                 of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH,             -   (2) OH,             -   (3) NH₂, and             -   (4) SH;     -   at a temperature of from about 0 degrees C. to about 75 degrees         C.; thereby forming a polyether glycol phase comprising         poly(tetramethylene) glycol and an ionic liquid phase that         comprises at least one catalyst; and     -   B) separating the polyether glycol phase from the ionic liquid         phase comprising the at least one catalyst, thereby forming a         separated ionic liquid phase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran, wherein an ionic liquid is used to allow for ready separation of the polymerized product from the catalyst.

In this disclosure a number of terms and abbreviations are used. The following definitions are provided.

By “ionic liquid” is meant organic salts that are fluid around or below 100 degrees C.

By “fluoroalkyl” is meant an alkyl group wherein at least one member selected from the hydrogens has been replaced by fluorine. By “perfluoroalkyl” is meant an alkyl group wherein all of the hydrogens have been replaced by fluorines.

By “alkoxy” is meant a straight-chain or branched alkyl group bound via an oxygen atom. By “fluoroalkoxy” is meant an alkoxy group wherein at least one member selected from the hydrogens has been replaced by fluorine. By “perfluoroalkoxy” is meant an alkoxy group wherein all of the hydrogens have been replaced by fluorines.

By “halogen” is meant bromine, iodine, chlorine or fluorine.

By “heteroaryl” is meant an aryl group having one or more heteroatoms.

By “catalyst” is meant a substance that affects the rate of the reaction but not the reaction equilibrium, and emerges from the process chemically unchanged.

By “homogeneous acid catalyst” or “homogeneous catalyst” is meant a catalyst that is molecularly dispersed with the reactants in the same phase.

By tetrahydrofuran is meant a compound having the Formula:

When referring to an alkane, alkene, alkoxy, fluoroalkoxy, perfluoroalkoxy, fluoroalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, the term “optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of” means that one or more hydrogens on the carbon chain may be independently substituted with one or more of at least one member of the group. For example, substituted C₂H₅ may be, without limitations, CF₂CF₃, CH₂CH₂OH or CF₂CF₂I.

The expression “C1 to Cn straight-chain or branched”, where n is an integer defining the length of the carbon chain, is meant to indicate that C1 and C2 are straight-chain, and C3 to Cn may be straight-chain or branched.

This invention is directed to a process for the preparation of poly(tetramethylene) glycol comprising:

A) forming a reaction mixture comprising (1) tetrahydrofuran, (2) at least one catalyst, (3) at least one accelerator and (4) at least one ionic liquid having the Formula Z⁺A⁻, wherein Z⁺ is a cation selected from the group consisting of:

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (i) H     -   (ii) halogen     -   (iii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,         straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally         substituted with at least one member selected from the group         consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH;     -   (iv) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,         straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene comprising         one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of         O, N and S, and optionally substituted with at least one member         selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and         SH;     -   (v) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl or unsubstituted heteroaryl         having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the         group consisting of O, N and S; and     -   (vi) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl having         one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the group         consisting of O, N and S; and wherein said substituted aryl or         substituted heteroaryl has one to three substituents         independently selected from the group consisting of         -   (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,             straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene,             optionally substituted with at least one member selected             from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH,         -   (2) OH,         -   (3) NH₂, and         -   (4) SH;

-   R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are independently selected from the group     consisting of:     -   (vii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,         straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally         substituted with at least one member selected from the group         consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH;     -   (viii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,         straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene comprising         one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of         O, N and S, and optionally substituted with at least one member         selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and         SH;     -   (ix) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl, or C₃ to C₂₅ unsubstituted         heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently         selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and     -   (x) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl, or C₃ to C₂₅ substituted         heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently         selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and wherein         said substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl has one to three         substituents independently selected from the group consisting of         -   (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,             straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene,             optionally substituted with at least one member selected             from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH,         -   (2) OH,         -   (3) NH₂, and         -   (4) SH;

-   wherein optionally at least two of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸,     R⁹, and R¹⁰ can together form a cyclic or bicyclic alkanyl or     alkenyl group; and     -   A⁻ is R¹¹—SO₃ ⁻ or (R¹²—SO₂)₂N⁻; wherein R¹¹ and R¹² are         independently selected from the group consisting of:         -   (a) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,             straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene,             optionally substituted with at least one member selected             from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH;         -   (b) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,             straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene             comprising one to three heteroatoms selected from the group             consisting of O, N and S, and optionally substituted with at             least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl,             Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH;         -   (c) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl or unsubstituted heteroaryl             having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from             the group consisting of O, N and S; and         -   (d) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl             having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from             the group consisting of O, N and S; and wherein said             substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl has one to three             substituents independently selected from the group             consisting of:             -   (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅, preferably C₃ to C₂₀,                 straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene,                 optionally substituted with at least one member selected                 from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and                 SH,             -   (2) OH,             -   (3) NH₂, and             -   (4) SH;     -   at a temperature of from about 0 degrees C. to about 75 degrees         C.; thereby forming a polyether glycol phase comprising         poly(tetramethylene) glycol and an ionic liquid phase that         comprises at least one catalyst; and     -   B) separating the polyether glycol phase from the ionic liquid         phase comprising the at least one catalyst, thereby forming a         separated ionic liquid phase.

In a more specific embodiment, A⁻ is selected from the group consisting of: [CH₃OSO₃]⁻, [C₂H₅OSO₃]⁻, [CF₃SO₃]⁻, [HCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₃HFCCF₂SO₃]⁻, [HCClFCF₂SO₃]⁻, [(CF₃SO₂)₂N]⁻, [(CF₃CF₂SO₂)₂N]⁻, [CF₃OCFHCF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₃CF₂OCFHCF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₃CFHOCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₂HCF₂OCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₂ICF₂OCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₃CF₂OCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, and [(CF₂HCF₂SO₂)₂N]⁻, [(CF₃CFHCF₂SO₂)₂N]⁻.

In another embodiment, the at least one ionic liquid is selected from the group consisting of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-butyl-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-octadecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, N-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)propylimidazole 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, N-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)ethylperfluorohexylimidazole 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate, tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl)phosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate, tetradecyl(tri-n-butyl)phosphonium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate, tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl)phosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate, 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-(pentafluoroethoxy)sulfonate, (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)-trioctylphosphonium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-methyl-3-(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)imidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, and tetra-n-butylphosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate.

The polymerization reaction is performed in the presence of an accelerator. Suitable accelerators are carboxylic anhydrides, acyl halides, and carboxylic acids with a pK_(a) of less than about 6 in water. The accelerator is added at a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the tetrahydrofuran plus the accelerator.

By a carboxylic anhydride is meant a compound containing the grouping —C(O)O(O)C—, wherein the free valencies are to other carbon atoms. A preferred carboxylic anhydride is an anhydride of an alkyl carboxylic acid or a halogen substituted alkyl carboxylic acid; in one embodiment the carboxylic anhydride is acetic anhydride or trifluoroacetic anhydride.

By an acyl halide is meant a compound containing the grouping —C(O)X, where X is chlorine or bromine and the free valence is to another carbon atom. In preferred acyl halides, X is chlorine. In preferred embodiments, the acyl halides are alkyl acyl halides, such as acetyl halides. In one embodiment, the acyl halide is acetyl chloride.

By a carboxylic acid is meant a compound containing the grouping —C(O)OH, wherein the free valence is to another carbon atom. Preferred carboxylic acids have a pK_(a) of less than 5 in water. Useful carboxylic acids include, but are not limited to acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, trichloroacetic acid, p-nitrobenzoic acid, butyric acid, formic acid, cyanoacetic acid, nitropropionic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and napthoic acid. In one embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of trifluoroacetic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, cyanoacetic acid, nitropropionic acid, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

An important consideration in the preparation of polyethers is the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polyether and its molecular weight distribution. When the polyether is to be used as a monomer in the preparation of another polymer (usually in the diol form), it is often preferred that the Mn of the polyether be in the range of about 400 to about 20,000 Daltons, preferably about 500 to about 5,000 Daltons.

The at least one catalyst is a homogeneous acid catalyst. In one embodiment of the invention, suitable homogeneous acid catalysts are those having a pKa of less than about 4; in another embodiment, suitable homogeneous acid catalysts are those having a pKa of less than about 2.

Suitable catalysts include inorganic acids, organic sulfonic acids, heteropolyacids, fluoroalkyl sulfonic acids, compounds thereof and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, suitable catalysts are metal salts of acids with a pKa less than about 4, including metal sulfonates, metal trifluoroacetates, metal triflates, and mixtures thereof including mixtures of the salts with their conjugate acids. Examples of catalysts include sulfuric acid, fluorosulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, phosphotungstic acid, phosphomolybdic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, nonafluorobutanesulfonic acid, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonic acid, 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonic acid, bismuth triflate, yttrium triflate, ytterbium triflate, neodymium triflate, lanthanum triflate, scandium triflate, and zirconium triflate.

The catalyst loading is from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the tetrahydrofuran reactant. In one embodiment the catalyst loading is from about 0.1% to about 10%. In still another embodiment, the catalyst loading is from about 0.1% to about 5%.

Cations useful as ionic liquids for the invention are available commercially, or may be synthesized by methods known to those skilled in the art. The fluoroalkyl sulfonate anions may be synthesized from perfluorinated terminal olefins or perfluorinated vinyl ethers generally according to the method of Koshar, et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. (1953) 75:4595-4596); in one embodiment, sulfite and bisulfite are used as the buffer in place of bisulfite and borax, and in another embodiment, the reaction is carried in the absence of a radical initiator. 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate, 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate, and 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(pentafluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate may be synthesized according to Koshar, et al. (supra), with modifications. Preferred modifications include using a mixture of sulfite and bisulfite as the buffer, freeze drying or spray drying to isolate the crude 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate and 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate products from the aqueous reaction mixture, using acetone to extract the crude 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate and 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate salts, and crystallizing 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate and 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(pentafluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate from the reaction mixture by cooling.

The at least one ionic liquid useful for the invention may be obtained commercially, or may be synthesized by methods well known to those skilled in the art.

General Procedure for Synthesizing Ionic Liquids that Are Not Miscible with Water:

Solution #1 is made by dissolving a known amount of the halide salt of the cation in deionized water. This may involve heating to ensure total dissolution. Solution #2 is made by dissolving an approximately equimolar amount (relative to the cation) of the potassium or sodium salt of the anion in deionized water. This may also involve heating to ensure total dissolution. Although it is not necessary to use equimolar quantities of the cation and anion, a 1:1 equimolar ratio minimizes the impurities obtained by the reaction. The two aqueous solutions (#1 and #2) are mixed and stirred at a temperature that optimizes the separation of the desired product phase as either an oil or a solid on the bottom of the flask. In one embodiment, the aqueous solutions are mixed and stirred at room temperature, however the optimal temperature may be higher or lower based on the conditions necessary to achieve optimal product separation. The water layer is separated, and the product is washed several times with deionized water to remove chloride or bromide impurities. An additional base wash may help to remove acidic impurities. The product is then diluted with an appropriate organic solvent (chloroform, methylene chloride, etc.) and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate or other preferred drying agent. The appropriate organic solvent is one that is miscible with the ionic liquid and that can be dried. The drying agent is removed by suction filtration and the organic solvent is removed in vacuo. High vacuum is applied for several hours or until residual water is removed. The final product is usually in the form of a liquid.

General Procedure for the Synthesis of Ionic Liquids that Are Miscible with Water:

Solution #1 is made by dissolving a known amount of the halide salt of the cation in an appropriate solvent. This may involve heating to ensure total dissolution. Preferably the solvent is one in which the cation and anion are miscible, and in which the salts formed by the reaction are minimally miscible; in addition, the appropriate solvent is preferably one that has a relatively low boiling point such that the solvent can be easily removed after the reaction. Appropriate solvents include, but are not limited to, high purity dry acetone, alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, and acetonitrile. Solution #2 is made by dissolving an equimolar amount (relative to the cation) of the salt (generally potassium or sodium) of the anion in an appropriate solvent, typically the same as that used for the cation. This may also involve heating to ensure total dissolution. The two solutions (#1 and #2) are mixed and stirred under conditions that result in approximately complete precipitation of the halide salt byproduct (generally potassium halide or sodium halide); in one embodiment of the invention, the solutions are mixed and stirred at approximately room temperature for about 4-12 hours. The halide salt is removed by suction filtration through an acetone/celite pad, and color can be reduced through the use of decolorizing carbon as is known to those skilled in the art. The solvent is removed in vacuo and then high vacuum is applied for several hours or until residual water is removed. The final product is usually in the form of a liquid.

The physical and chemical properties of ionic liquids can be specifically selected by choice of the appropriate cation and anion. For example, increasing the chain length of one or more alkyl chains of the cation will affect properties such as the melting point, hydrophilicity/lipophilicity, density and solvation strength of the ionic liquid. Choice of the anion can affect, for example, the melting point, the water solubility and the acidity and coordination properties of the composition. Effects of cation and anion on the physical and chemical properties of ionic liquids are known to those skilled in the art and are reviewed in detail by Wasserscheid and Keim (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2000) 39:3772-3789) and Sheldon (Chem. Commun. (2001) 2399-2407). In the present invention, the choice of the ionic liquid will affect the length of the polymer that is formed, and thus the at least one ionic liquid is chosen so as to achieve a polymer with the desired Mn number.

An advantage to the use of at least one ionic liquid in this reaction is that the reaction product comprises a polyether glycol phase comprising poly(tetramethylene) glycol and an ionic liquid phase that comprises the acid catalyst. Thus the poly(tetramethylene) glycol product or products in the polyether glycol phase is/are easily recoverable from the acid catalyst by, for example, decantation. In a preferred embodiment, the separated ionic liquid phase is reused to form the reaction mixture.

General Materials and Methods

The following abbreviations are used:

Nuclear magnetic resonance is abbreviated NMR; gas chromatography is abbreviated GC; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is abbreviated GC-MS; thin layer chromatography is abbreviated TLC; thermogravimetric analysis (using a Universal V3.9A TA instrument analyser (TA Instruments, Inc., Newcastle, Del.)) is abbreviated TGA. Centigrade is abbreviated C, mega Pascal is abbreviated MPa, gram is abbreviated g, kilogram is abbreviated Kg, milliliter(s) is abbreviated ml(s), hour is abbreviated hr; weight percent is abbreviated wt %; milliequivalents is abbreviated meq; melting point is abbreviated Mp; differential scanning calorimetry is abbreviated DSC.

1-Butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-hexadecyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride, 1-octadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, imidazole, tetrahydrofuran, iodopropane, acetonitrile, iodoperfluorohexane, toluene, 1,3-propanediol, oleum (20% SO₃), sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃, 98%), and acetone were obtained from Acros (Hampton, N.H.). Potassium metabisulfite (K₂S₂O₅, 99%), was obtained from Mallinckrodt Laboratory Chemicals (Phillipsburg, N.J.). Potassium sulfite hydrate (KHSO₃.xH₂O, 95%), sodium bisulfite (NaHSO₃), sodium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, ethyl ether, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-tridecafluoro-8-iodooctane trioctyl phosphine, and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (98%) were obtained from Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo.). Sulfuric acid and methylene chloride were obtained from EMD Chemicals, Inc. (Gibbstown, N.J.). Perfluoro(ethylvinyl ether), perfluoro(methylvinyl ether), hexafluoropropene and tetrafluoroethylene were obtained from DuPont Fluoroproducts (Wilmington, Del.). 1-Butyl-methylimidazolium chloride was obtained from Fluka (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.). Tetra-n-butylphosphonium bromide and tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl)phosphonium chloride were obtained from Cytec (Canada Inc., Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada). 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoro-2-(pentafluoroethoxy)sulfonate was obtained from SynQuest Laboratories, Inc. (Alachua, Fla.).

Preparation of Anions Not Generally Available Commercially

(A) Synthesis of potassium 1.1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (TFES-K) ([HCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻):

A 1-gallon Hastelloy® C276 reaction vessel was charged with a solution of potassium sulfite hydrate (176 g, 1.0 mol), potassium metabisulfite (610 g, 2.8 mol) and deionized water (2000 ml). The pH of this solution was 5.8. The vessel was cooled to 18 degrees C., evacuated to 0.10 MPa, and purged with nitrogen. The evacuate/purge cycle was repeated two more times. To the vessel was then added tetrafluoroethylene (TFE, 66 g), and it was heated to 100 degrees C. at which time the inside pressure was 1.14 MPa. The reaction temperature was increased to 125 degrees C. and kept there for 3 hr. As the TFE pressure decreased due to the reaction, more TFE was added in small aliquots (20-30 g each) to maintain operating pressure roughly between 1.14 and 1.48 MPa. Once 500 g (5.0 mol) of TFE had been fed after the initial 66 g precharge, the vessel was vented and cooled to 25 degrees C. The pH of the clear light yellow reaction solution was 10-11. This solution was buffered to pH 7 through the addition of potassium metabisulfite (16 g).

The water was removed in vacuo on a rotary evaporator to produce a wet solid. The solid was then placed in a freeze dryer (Virtis Freezemobile 35xl; Gardiner, N.Y.) for 72 hr to reduce the water content to approximately 1.5 wt % (1387 g crude material). The theoretical mass of total solids was 1351 g. The mass balance was very close to ideal and the isolated solid had slightly higher mass due to moisture. This added freeze drying step had the advantage of producing a free-flowing white powder whereas treatment in a vacuum oven resulted in a soapy solid cake that was very difficult to remove and had to be chipped and broken out of the flask.

The crude TFES-K can be further purified and isolated by extraction with reagent grade acetone, filtration, and drying.

¹⁹F NMR (D₂O) δ −122.0.(dt, J_(FH)=6 Hz, J_(FF)=6 Hz, 2F); −136.1 (dt, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 2F). ¹H NMR (D₂O) δ 6.4 (tt, J_(FH)=53 Hz, J_(FH)=6 Hz, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 580 ppm. Analytical calculation for C₂HO₃F₄SK: C, 10.9; H, 0.5; N, 0.0. Experimental results: C, 11.1; H, 0.7; N, 0.2. Mp (DSC): 242 degrees C. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 367 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 375 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 363 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 375 degrees C.

(B) Synthesis of potassium-1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate (TPES-K):

A 1-gallon Hastelloy® C276 reaction vessel was charged with a solution of potassium sulfite hydrate (88 g, 0.56 mol), potassium metabisulfite (340 g, 1.53 mol) and deionized water (2000 ml). The vessel was cooled to 7 degrees C., evacuated to 0.05 MPa, and purged with nitrogen. The evacuate/purge cycle was repeated two more times. To the vessel was then added perfluoro(ethylvinyl ether) (PEVE, 600 g, 2.78 mol), and it was heated to 125 degrees C. at which time the inside pressure was 2.31 MPa. The reaction temperature was maintained at 125 degrees C. for 10 hr. The pressure dropped to 0.26 MPa at which point the vessel was vented and cooled to 25 degrees C. The crude reaction product was a white crystalline precipitate with a colorless aqueous layer (pH=7) above it.

The ¹⁹F NMR spectrum of the white solid showed pure desired product, while the spectrum of the aqueous layer showed a small but detectable amount of a fluorinated impurity. The desired isomer is less soluble in water so it precipitated in isomerically pure form.

The product slurry was suction filtered through a frifted glass funnel, and the wet cake was dried in a vacuum oven (60 degrees C., 0.01 MPa) for 48 hr. The product was obtained as off-white crystals (904 g, 97% yield).

¹⁹F NMR (D₂O) δ −86.5.(s, 3F); −89.2, −91.3 (subsplit ABq, J_(FF)=147 Hz, 2F); −119.3, −121.2 (subsplit ABq, J_(FF)=258 Hz, 2F); −144.3 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 1F). ¹H NMR (D₂O) δ 6.7 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 1H). Mp (DSC) 263 degrees C. Analytical calculation for C₄HO₄F₈SK: C, 14.3; H, 0.3. Experimental results: C, 14.1; H, 0.3. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 359 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 367 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 362 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 374 degrees C.

(C) Synthesis of potassium-1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate (TTES-K)

A 1-gallon Hastelloy® C276 reaction vessel was charged with a solution of potassium sulfite hydrate (114 g, 0.72 mol), potassium metabisulfite (440 g, 1.98 mol) and deionized water (2000 ml). The pH of this solution was 5.8. The vessel was cooled to −35 degrees C., evacuated to 0.08 MPa, and purged with nitrogen. The evacuate/purge cycle was repeated two more times. To the vessel was then added perfluoro(methylvinyl ether) (PMVE, 600 g, 3.61 mol) and it was heated to 125 degrees C. at which time the inside pressure was 3.29 MPa. The reaction temperature was maintained at 125 degrees C. for 6 hr. The pressure dropped to 0.27 MPa at which point the vessel was vented and cooled to 25 degrees C. Once cooled, a white crystalline precipitate of the desired product formed leaving a colorless clear aqueous solution above it (pH=7).

The ¹⁹F NMR spectrum of the white solid showed pure desired product, while the spectrum of the aqueous layer showed a small but detectable amount of a fluorinated impurity.

The solution was suction filtered through a fritted glass funnel for 6 hr to remove most of the water. The wet cake was then dried in a vacuum oven at 0.01 MPa and 50 degrees C. for 48 hr. This gave 854 g (83% yield) of a white powder. The final product was isomerically pure (by ¹⁹F and ¹H NMR) since the undesired isomer remained in the water during filtration.

¹⁹F NMR (D₂O) δ −59.9.(d, J_(FH)=4 Hz, 3F); −119.6, −120.2 (subsplit ABq, J=260 Hz, 2F); −144.9 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 1F). ¹H NMR (D₂O) δ 6.6 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 71 ppm. Analytical calculation for C₃HF₆SO₄K: C, 12.6; H, 0.4; N, 0.0. Experimental results: C, 12.6; H, 0.0; N, 0.1. Mp (DSC) 257 degrees C. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 343 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 358 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 341 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 357 degrees C.

(D) Synthesis of sodium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate (HFPS-Na)

A 1-gallon Hastelloy® C reaction vessel was charged with a solution of anhydrous sodium sulfite (25 g, 0.20 mol), sodium bisulfite 73 g, (0.70 mol) and of deionized water (400 ml). The pH of this solution was 5.7. The vessel was cooled to 4 degrees C., evacuated to 0.08 MPa, and then charged with hexafluoropropene (HFP, 120 g, 0.8 mol, 0.43 MPa). The vessel was heated with agitation to 120 degrees C. and kept there for 3 hr. The pressure rose to a maximum of 1.83 MPa and then dropped down to 0.27 MPa within 30 minutes. At the end, the vessel was cooled and the remaining HFP was vented, and the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The final solution had a pH of 7.3.

The water was removed in vacuo on a rotary evaporator to produce a wet solid. The solid was then placed in a vacuum oven (0.02 MPa, 140 degrees C., 48 hr) to produce 219 g of white solid which contained approximately 1 wt % water. The theoretical mass of total solids was 217 g.

The crude HFPS-Na can be further purified and isolated by extraction with reagent grade acetone, filtration, and drying.

¹⁹F NMR (D₂O) δ −74.5 (m, 3F); −113.1, −120.4 (ABq, J=264 Hz, 2F); −211.6 (dm, 1F).

¹H NMR (D₂O) δ 5.8 (dm, J_(FH)=43 Hz, 1H). Mp (DSC) 126 degrees C. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 326 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 446 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 322 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 449 degrees C.

Preparation of Ionic Liquids

(E) Synthesis of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate

1-Butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride (22.8 g, 0.121 moles) was mixed with reagent-grade acetone (250 ml) in a large round-bottomed flask and stirred vigorously. Potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (TFES-K, 26.6 g, 0.121 moles), was added to reagent grade acetone (250 ml) in a separate round-bottomed flask, and this solution was carefully added to the 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride solution. The large flask was lowered into an oil bath and heated at 60 degrees C. under reflux for 10 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered using a large frit glass funnel to remove the white KCl precipitate formed, and the filtrate was placed on a rotary evaporator for 4 hours to remove the acetone. The product was isolated and dried under vacuum at 150 degrees C. for 2 days.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 0.9 (t, 3H); 1.3 (m, 2H); 1.7 (m, 2H); 2.6 (s, 3H); 3.8 (s, 3H); 4.1 (t, 2H); 6.4 (tt, 1H); 7.58 (s, 1H); 7.62 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fischer titration: 0.06%. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 375 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 415 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 395 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 425 degrees C.

The reaction scheme is shown below:

(F) Synthesis of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesuIfonate (Bmim-TFES)

1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (60.0 g) and high purity dry acetone (>99.5%, 300 ml) were combined in a 1 liter flask and warmed to reflux with magnetic stirring until the solid completely dissolved. At room temperature in a separate 1 liter flask, potassium-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonte (TFES-K, 75.6 g) was dissolved in high purity dry acetone (500 ml). These two solutions were combined at room temperature and allowed to stir magnetically for 2 hr under positive nitrogen pressure. The stirring was stopped and the KCl precipitate was allowed to settle, then removed by suction filtration through a fritted glass funnel with a celite pad. The acetone was removed in vacuo to give a yellow oil. The oil was further purified by diluting with high purity acetone (100 ml) and stirring with decolorizing carbon (5 g). The mixture was again suction filtered and the acetone removed in vacuo to give a colorless oil. This was further dried at 4 Pa and 25 degrees C. for 6 hr to provide 83.6 g of product.

¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ −124.7 (dt, J=6 Hz, J=8 Hz, 2F); −136.8 (dt, J=53 Hz, 2F). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.9 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); 1.3 (m, 2H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H); 6.3 (dt, J=53 Hz, J=6 Hz, 1H); 7.4 (s, 1H); 7.5 (s, 1H); 8.7 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 0.14%.

Analytical calculation for C₉H₁₂F₆N₂O₃S: C, 37.6; H, 4.7; N, 8.8. Experimental Results: C, 37.6; H, 4.6; N, 8.7. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 380 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 420 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 375 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 422 degrees C.

(G) Synthesis of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (Emim-TFES)

To a 500 ml round bottom flask was added 1-ethyl-3methylimidazolium chloride (Emim-Cl, 98%, 61.0 g) and reagent grade acetone (500 ml). The mixture was gently warmed (50 degrees C.) until almost all of the Emim-Cl dissolved. To a separate 500 ml flask was added potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (TFES-K, 90.2 g) along with reagent grade acetone (350 ml). This second mixture was stirred magnetically at 24 degrees C. until all of the TFES-K dissolved.

These solutions were combined in a 1 liter flask producing a milky white suspension. The mixture was stirred at 24 degrees C. for 24 hrs. The KCl precipitate was then allowed to settle leaving a clear green solution above it.

The reaction mixture was filtered once through a celite/acetone pad and again through a fritted glass funnel to remove the KCl. The acetone was removed in vacuo first on a rotovap and then on a high vacuum line (4 Pa, 25 degrees C.) for 2 hr. The product was a viscous light yellow oil (76.0 g, 64% yield).

¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ −124.7. (dt, J_(FH)=6 Hz, J_(FF)=6 Hz, 2F); −138.4 (dt, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 2F). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.3 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); 3.7 (s, 3H); 4.0 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H); 6.1 (tt, J_(FH)=53 Hz, J_(FH)=6 Hz, 1H); 7.2 (s, 1H); 7.3 (s, 1H); 8.5 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 0.18%. Analytical calculation for C₈H₁₂N₂O₃F₄S: C, 32.9; H, 4.1; N, 9.6. Found: C, 33.3; H, 3.7; N, 9.6. Mp 45-46 degrees C. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 379 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 420 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 378 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 418 degrees C.

The reaction scheme is shown below:

(H) Synthesis of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate (Emim-HFPS)

To a 11 round bottom flask was added 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Emim-Cl, 98%, 50.5 g) and reagent grade acetone (400 ml). The mixture was gently warmed (50 degrees C.) until almost all of the Emim-Cl dissolved. To a separate 500 ml flask was added potassium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate (HFPS-K, 92.2 g) along with reagent grade acetone (300 ml). This second mixture was stirred magnetically at room temperature until all of the HFPS-K dissolved.

These solutions were combined and stirred under positive N₂ pressure at 26 degrees C. for 12 hr producing a milky white suspension. The KCl precipitate was allowed to settle overnight leaving a clear yellow solution above it.

The reaction mixture was filtered once through a celite/acetone pad and again through a fritted glass funnel. The acetone was removed in vacuo first on a rotovap and then on a high vacuum line (4 Pa, 25 degrees C.) for 2 hr. The product was a viscous light yellow oil (103.8 g, 89% yield).

¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆)δ −73.8 (s, 3F); −114.5, −121.0 (ABq, J=258 Hz, 2F); −210.6 (m, 1F, J_(HF)=41.5 Hz). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.4 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H,); 5.8 (m, J_(HF)=41.5 Hz, 1H,); 7.7 (s, 1H); 7.8 (s, 1H); 9.1 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 0.12%. Analytical calculation for C₉H₁₂N₂O₃F₆S: C, 31.5; H, 3.5; N, 8.2. Experimental Results: C, 30.9; H, 3.3; N, 7.8. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 342 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 373 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 341 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 374 degrees C.

The reaction scheme is shown below:

(I) Synthesis of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate

1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (10 g, 0.0493 moles) was mixed with reagent-grade acetone (100 ml) in a large round-bottomed flask and stirred vigorously under a nitrogen blanket. Potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane sulfonate (TFES-K, 10 g, 0.0455 moles) was added to reagent grade acetone (100 ml) in a separate round-bottomed flask, and this solution was carefully added to the 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride/acetone mixture. The mixture was left to stir overnight. The reaction mixture was then filtered using a large frit glass funnel to remove the white KCl precipitate formed, and the filtrate was placed on a rotary evaporator for 4 hours to remove the acetone.

Appearance: pale yellow, viscous liquid at room temperature.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 0.9 (t, 3H); 1.3 (m, 6H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (t, 2H); 6.4 (tt, 1H); 7.7(s, 1H); 7.8 (s, 1H); 9.1 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fischer titration: 0.03% TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 365 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 410 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 370 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 415 degrees C.

The reaction scheme is shown below:

(J) Synthesis of 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate

1-Dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (34.16 g, 0.119 moles) was partially dissolved in reagent-grade acetone (400 ml) in a large round-bottomed flask and stirred vigorously. Potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (TFES-K, 26.24 g, 0.119 moles) was added to reagent grade acetone (400 ml) in a separate round-bottomed flask, and this solution was carefully added to the 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride solution. The reaction mixture was heated at 60 degrees C. under reflux for approximately 16 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered using a large frit glass funnel to remove the white KCl precipitate formed, and the filtrate was placed on a rotary evaporator for 4 hours to remove the acetone.

¹H NMR (CD₃CN): δ 0.9 (t, 3H); 1.3 (m. 18H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (t, 2H); 6.4 (tt, 1H); 7.7(s, 1H); 7.8 (s, 1H); 9.1 (s, 1H). ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN): δ −125.3 (m, 2F); −137 (dt, 2F). % Water by Karl-Fischer titration: 0.24% TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 370 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 410 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 375 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 410 degrees C.

The reaction scheme is shown below:

(K) Synthesis of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate

1-Hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (17.0 g, 0.0496 moles) was partially dissolved in reagent-grade acetone (100 ml) in a large round-bottomed flask and stirred vigorously. Potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (TFES-K, 10.9 g, 0.0495 moles) was added to reagent grade acetone (100 ml) in a separate round-bottomed flask, and this solution was carefully added to the 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride solution. The reaction mixture was heated at 60 degrees C. under reflux for approximately 16 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered using a large frit glass funnel to remove the white KCl precipitate formed, and the filtrate was placed on a rotary evaporator for 4 hours to remove the acetone.

Appearance: white solid at room temperature.

¹H NMR (CD₃CN): δ 0.9 (t, 3H); 1.3 (m, 26H); 1.9 (m, 2H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (t, 2H); 6.3 (tt, 1H); 7.4 (s, 1H); 7.4 (s, 1H); 8.6 (s, 1H). ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN): δ −125.2 (m, 2F); −136.9 (dt, 2F). % Water by Karl-Fischer titration: 200 ppm. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 360 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 395 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 370 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 400 degrees C

The reaction scheme is shown below:

(L) Synthesis of 1-octadecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate

1-Octadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (17.0 g, 0.0458 moles) was partially dissolved in reagent-grade acetone (200 ml) in a large round-bottomed flask and stirred vigorously. Potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (TFES-K, 10.1 g, 0.0459 moles), was added to reagent grade acetone (200 ml) in a separate round-bottomed flask, and this solution was carefully added to the 1-octadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride solution. The reaction mixture was heated at 60 degrees C. under reflux for approximately 16 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered using a large frit glass funnel to remove the white KCl precipitate formed, and the filtrate was placed on a rotary evaporator for 4 hours to remove the acetone.

¹H NMR (CD₃CN): δ 0.9 (t, 3H); 1.3 (m, 30H); 1.9 (m, 2H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.1 (t, 2H); 6.3 (tt, 1H); 7.4(s, 1H); 7.4 (s, 1H); 8.5 (s, 1H). ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN): δ −125.3 (m, 2F); −136.9 (dt, 2F). % Water by Karl-Fischer titration: 0.03%. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 360 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 400 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 365 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 405 degrees C.

The reaction scheme is shown below:

(M) Synthesis of N-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)propylimidazole 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate

Imidazole (19.2 g) was added to of tetrahydrofuran (80 mls). A glass shaker tube reaction vessel was filled with the THF-containing imidazole solution. The vessel was cooled to 18° C., evacuated to 0.08 MPa, and purged with nitrogen. The evacuate/purge cycle was repeated two more times. Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE, 5 g) was then added to the vessel, and it was heated to 100 degrees C., at which time the inside pressure was about 0.72 MPa. As the TFE pressure decreased due to the reaction, more TFE was added in small aliquots (5 g each) to maintain operating pressure roughly between 0.34 MPa and 0.86 MPa. Once 40 g of TFE had been fed, the vessel was vented and cooled to 25 degrees C. The THF was then removed under vacuum and the product was vacuum distilled at 40 degrees C. to yield pure product as shown by ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR (yield 44 g). Iodopropane (16.99 g) was mixed with 1-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)imidazole (16.8 g) in dry acetonitrile (100 ml), and the mixture was refluxed for 3 days. The solvent was removed in vacuo, yielding a yellow waxy solid (yield 29 g). The product, 1-propyl-3-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)imidazolium iodide was confirmed by 1H NMR (in d acetonitrile) [0.96 (t, 3H); 1.99 (m, 2H); 4.27 (t, 2H); 6.75 (t, 1H); 7.72 (d, 2H); 9.95 (s, 1H)].

Iodide (24 g) was then added to 60 ml of dry acetone, followed by 15.4 g of potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate in 75 ml of dry acetone. The mixture was heated at 60 degrees C. overnight and a dense white precipitate was formed (potassium iodide). The mixture was cooled, filtered, and the solvent from the filtrate was removed using a rotary evaporator. Some further potassium iodide was removed under filtration. The product was further purified by adding 50 g of acetone, 1 g of charcoal, 1 g of celite and 1 g of silica gel. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours, filtered and the solvent removed. This yielded 15 g of a liquid, shown by NMR to be the desired product.

(N) Svnthesis of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate (Bmim-HFPS)

1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Bmim-Cl, 50.0 g) and high purity dry acetone (>99.5%, 500 ml) were combined in a 1 liter flask and warmed to reflux with magnetic stirring until the solid all dissolved. At room temperature in a separate 1 liter flask, potassium-1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonte (HFPS-K) was dissolved in high purity dry acetone (550 ml). These two solutions were combined at room temperature and allowed to stir magnetically for 12 hr under positive nitrogen pressure. The stirring was stopped, and the KCl precipitate was allowed to settle. This solid was removed by suction filtration through a frifted glass funnel with a celite pad. The acetone was removed in vacuo to give a yellow oil. The oil was further purified by diluting with high purity acetone (100 ml) and stirring with decolorizing carbon (5 g). The mixture was suction filtered and the acetone removed in vacuo to give a colorless oil. This was further dried at 4 Pa and 25 degrees C. for 2 hr to provide 68.6 g of product.

¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ −73.8.(s, 3F); −114.5, −121.0 (ABq, J=258 Hz, 2F); −210.6 (m, J=42 Hz, 1F). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.9 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); 1.3 (m, 2H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H); 5.8 (dm, J=42 Hz, 1H); 7.7 (s, 1H); 7.8 (s, 1H); 9.1 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 0.12%. Analytical calculation for C₉H₁₂F₆N₂O₃S: C, 35.7; H, 4.4; N, 7.6. Experimental Results: C, 34.7; H, 3.8; N, 7.2. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 340 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 367 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 335 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 361 degrees C. Extractable chloride by ion chromatography: 27 ppm.

(O) Synthesis of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate (Bmim-TTES)

1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Bmim-Cl, 10.0 g) and deionized water (15 ml) were combined at room temperature in a 200 ml flask. At room temperature in a separate 200 ml flask, potassium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate (TTES-K, 16.4 g) was dissolved in deionized water (90 ml). These two solutions were combined at room temperature and allowed to stir magnetically for 30 min. under positive nitrogen pressure to give a biphasic mixture with the desired ionic liquid as the bottom phase. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with 2×50 ml portions of methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The colorless oil product was dried at for 4 hr at 5 Pa and 25 degrees C. to afford 15.0 g of product.

¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ −56.8 (d, J_(FH)=4 Hz, 3F); −119.5, −119.9 (subsplit ABq, J=260 Hz, 2F); −142.2 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 1F). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.9 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); 1.3 (m, 2H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 6.5 (dt, J=53 Hz, J=7 Hz, 1H); 7.7 (s, 1H); 7.8 (s, 1H); 9.1 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 613 ppm. Analytical calculation for C11H16F6N2O4S: C, 34.2; H, 4.2; N, 7.3. Experimental Results: C, 34.0; H, 4.0; N, 7.1. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 328 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 354 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 324 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 351 degrees C. Extractable chloride by ion chromatography: <2 ppm.

(P) Synthesis of 1-butyl-3-methVlimidazolium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate (Bmim-TPES)

1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Bmim-Cl, 7.8 g) and dry acetone (150 ml) were combined at room temperature in a 500 ml flask. At room temperature in a separate 200 ml flask, potassium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate (TPES-K, 15.0 g) was dissolved in dry acetone (300 ml). These two solutions were combined and allowed to stir magnetically for 12 hr under positive nitrogen pressure. The KCl precipitate was then allowed to settle leaving a colorless solution above it. The reaction mixture was filtered once through a celite/acetone pad and again through a fritted glass funnel to remove the KCl. The acetone was removed in vacuo first on a rotovap and then on a high vacuum line (4 Pa, 25 degrees C.) for 2 hr. Residual KCl was still precipitating out of the solution, so methylene chloride (50 ml) was added to the crude product which was then washed with deionized water (2×50 ml). The solution was dried over magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give the product as a viscous light yellow oil (12.0 g, 62% yield).

¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN) δ −85.8 (s, 3F); −87.9, −90.1 (subsplit ABq, J_(FF)=147 Hz, 2F); −120.6, −122.4 (subsplit ABq, J_(FF)=258 Hz, 2F); −142.2 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 1F). ¹H NMR (CD₃CN) δ 1.0 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); 1.4 (m, 2H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 6.5 (dm, J=53 Hz, 1H); 7.4 (s, 1H); 7.5 (s, 1H); 8.6 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 0.461. Analytical calculation for C12H16F8N2O4S: C, 33.0; H, 3.7. Experimental Results: C, 32.0; H, 3.6. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 334 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 353 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 330 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 365 degrees C.

(Q) Synthesis of tetradecyl(tri-n-butyl)phosphonium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate ([4.4.4.14]P-HFPS)

To a 41 round bottomed flask was added the ionic liquid tetradecyl(tri-n-butyl)phosphonium chloride (Cyphos® IL 167, 345 g) and deionized water (1000 ml). The mixture was magnetically stirred until it was one phase. In a separate 2 liter flask, potassium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate (HFPS-K, 214.2 g) was dissolved in deionized water (1100 ml). These solutions were combined and stirred under positive N₂ pressure at 26 degrees C. for 1 hr producing a milky white oil. The oil slowly solidified (439 g) and was removed by suction filtration and then dissolved in chloroform (300 ml). The remaining aqueous layer (pH=2) was extracted once with chloroform (100 ml). The chloroform layers were combined and washed with an aqueous sodium carbonate solution (50 ml) to remove any acidic impurity. They were then dried over magnesium sulfate, suction filtered, and reduced in vacuo first on a rotovap and then on a high vacuum line (4 Pa, 100 degrees C.) for 16 hr to yield the final product as a white solid (380 g, 76% yield).

¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ −73.7.(s, 3F); −114.6, −120.9 (ABq, J=258 Hz, 2F); −210.5 (m, J_(HF)=41.5 Hz, 1F). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.8 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 0.9 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 9H); 1.3 (br s, 20H); 1.4 (m, 16H); 2.2 (m, 8H); 5.9 (m, J_(HF)=42 Hz, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 895 ppm. Analytical calculation for C29H57F6O3PS: C, 55.2; H, 9.1; N, 0.0. Experimental Results: C, 55.1; H, 8.8; N, 0.0. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 373 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 421 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 383 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 436 degrees C.

(R) Synthesis of Tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl)phosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxv)ethanesulfonate ([6.6.6.14]P-TPES)

To a 500 ml round bottomed flask was added acetone (Spectroscopic grade, 50 ml) and ionic liquid tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl)phosphonium chloride (Cyphos® IL 101, 33.7 g). The mixture was magnetically stirred until it was one phase. In a separate 1 liter flask, potassium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate (TPES-K, 21.6 g) was dissolved in acetone (400 ml). These solutions were combined and stirred under positive N₂ pressure at 26 degrees C. for 12 hr producing a white precipitate of KCl. The precipitate was removed by suction filtration, and the acetone was removed in vacuo on a rotovap to produce the crude product as a cloudy oil (48 g). Chloroform (100 ml) was added, and the solution was washed once with deionized water (50 ml). It was then dried over magnesium sulfate and reduced in vacuo first on a rotovap and then on a high vacuum line (8 Pa, 24 degrees C.) for 8 hr to yield the final product as a slightly yellow oil (28 g, 56% yield).

¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ −86.1 (s, 3F); −88.4, −90.3 (subsplit ABq, J_(FF)=147 Hz, 2F); −121.4, −122.4 (subsplit ABq, J_(FF)=258 Hz, 2F); −143.0 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz,1F). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.9 (m, 12H); 1.2 (m, 16H); 1.3 (m, 16H); 1.4 (m, 8H); 1.5 (m, 8H); 2.2 (m, 8H); 6.3 (dm, J_(FH)=54 Hz, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 0.11. Analytical calculation for C36H69F8O4PS: C, 55.4; H, 8.9; N, 0.0. Experimental Results: C, 55.2; H, 8.2; N, 0.1. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 311 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 339 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 315 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 343 degrees C.

(S) Synthesis of tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl, phosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate ([6.6.6.14]P-TTES)

To a 100 ml round bottomed flask was added acetone (Spectroscopic grade, 50 ml) and ionic liquid tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl)phosphonium chloride (Cyphos® IL 101, 20.2 g). The mixture was magnetically stirred until it was one phase. In a separate 100 ml flask, potassium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate (TTES-K, 11.2 g) was dissolved in acetone (100 ml). These solutions were combined and stirred under positive N₂ pressure at 26 degrees C. for 12 hr producing a white precipitate of KCl.

The precipitate was removed by suction filtration, and the acetone was removed in vacuo on a rotovap to produce the crude product as a cloudy oil. The product was diluted with ethyl ether (100 ml) and then washed once with deionized water (50 ml), twice with an aqueous sodium carbonate solution (50 ml) to remove any acidic impurity, and twice more with deionized water (50 ml). The ether solution was then dried over magnesium sulfate and reduced in vacuo first on a rotovap and then on a high vacuum line (4 Pa, 24 degrees C.) for 8 hr to yield the final product as an oil (19.0 g, 69% yield).

¹⁹F NMR (CD₂Cl₂) δ −60.2.(d, J_(FH)=4 Hz, 3F); −120.8, −125.1 (subsplit ABq, J=260 Hz, 2F); −143.7 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 1F). ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂) δ 0.9 (m, 12H); 1.2 (m, 16H); 1.3 (m, 16H); 1.4 (m, 8H); 1.5 (m, 8H); 2.2 (m, 8H); 6.3 (dm, J_(FH)=54 Hz, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 412 ppm. Analytical calculation for C35H69F6O4PS: C, 57.5; H, 9.5; N, 0.0. Experimental results: C, 57.8; H, 9.3; N, 0.0. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 331 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 359 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 328 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 360 degrees C.

(T) Synthesis of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-(pentafluoroethoxy)sulfonate (Emim-TPENTAS)

To a 500 ml round bottomed flask was added 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Emim-Cl, 98%, 18.0 g) and reagent grade acetone (150 ml). The mixture was gently warmed (50 degrees C.) until all of the Emim-Cl dissolved. In a separate 500 ml flask, potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-(pentafluoroethoxy)sulfonate (TPENTAS-K, 43.7 g) was dissolved in reagent grade acetone (450 ml).

These solutions were combined in a 1 liter flask producing a white precipitate (KCl). The mixture was stirred at 24 degrees C. for 8 hr. The KCl precipitate was then allowed to settle leaving a clear yellow solution above it. The KCl was removed by filtration through a celite/acetone pad. The acetone was removed in vacuo to give a yellow oil which was then diluted with chloroform (100 ml). The chloroform was washed three times with deionized water (50 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and reduced in vacuo first on a rotovap and then on a high vacuum line (4 Pa, 25 degrees C.) for 8 hr. The product was a light yellow oil (22.5 g).

¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ −82.9.(m, 2F); −87.3 (s, 3F); −89.0 (m, 2F); −118.9 (s, 2F). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.5 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.2 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H); 7.7 (s, 1H); 7.8 (s, 1H); 9.1 (s, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 0.17%. Analytical calculation for C10H11N2O4F9S: C, 28.2; H, 2.6; N, 6.6 Experimental results: C, 28.1; H, 2.9; N, 6.6. TGA (air): 10% wt. loss @ 351 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 401 degrees C. TGA (N₂): 10% wt. loss @ 349 degrees C., 50% wt. loss @ 406 degrees C.

(U) Synthesis of tetrabutylphosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate (TBP-TPES)

To a 200 ml round bottomed flask was added deionized water (100 ml) and tetra-n-butylphosphonium bromide (Cytec Canada Inc., 20.2 g). The mixture was magnetically stirred until the solid all dissolved. In a separate 300 ml flask, potassium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate (TPES-K, 20.0 g) was dissolved in deionized water (400 ml) heated to 70 degrees C. These solutions were combined and stirred under positive N₂ pressure at 26 degrees C. for 2 hr producing a lower oily layer. The product oil layer was separated and diluted with chloroform (30 ml), then washed once with an aqueous sodium carbonate solution (4 ml) to remove any acidic impurity, and three times with deionized water (20 ml). It was then dried over magnesium sulfate and reduced in vacuo first on a rotovap and then on a high vacuum line (8 Pa, 24 degrees C.) for 2 hr to yield the final product as a colorless oil (28.1 g, 85% yield).

¹⁹F NMR (CD₂Cl₂) δ −86.4 (s, 3F); −89.0, −90.8 (subsplit ABq, J_(FF)=147 Hz, 2F); −119.2, −125.8 (subsplit ABq, J_(FF)=254 Hz, 2F); −141.7 (dm, J_(FH)=53 Hz, 1F). ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂) δ 1.0 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 12H);1.5 (m, 16H); 2.2 (m, 8H); 6.3 (dm, JFH=54 Hz, 1H). % Water by Karl-Fisher titration: 0.29. Analytical calculation for C20H37F804PS: C, 43.2; H, 6.7; N, 0.0. Experimental results: C, 42.0; H, 6.9; N, 0.1. Extractable bromide by ion chromatography: 21 ppm.

(V) Synthesis of (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)-trioctylphosphonium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate

Trioctyl phosphine (31 g) was partially dissolved in reagent-grade acetonitrile (250 ml) in a large round-bottomed flask and stirred vigorously. 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-Tridecafluoro-8-iodooctane (44.2 g) was added, and the mixture was heated under reflux at 110 degrees C. for 24 hours.

The solvent was removed under vacuum giving (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)-trioctylphosphonium iodide as a waxy solid (30.5 g). Potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (TFES-K, 13.9 g) was dissolved in reagent grade acetone (100 ml) in a separate round-bottomed flask, and to this was added (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)-trioctylphosphonium iodide (60 g). The reaction mixture was heated at 60 degrees C. under reflux for approximately 16 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered using a large frit glass funnel to remove the white Kl precipitate formed, and the filtrate was placed on a rotary evaporator for 4 hours to remove the acetone. The liquid was left for 24 hours at room temperature and then filtered a second time (to remove Kl) to yield the product (62 g) as shown by proton NMR.

(W) Synthesis of 1-methyl-3-(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)imidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate

1-Methylimidazole (4.32 g, 0.52 mol) was partially dissolved in reagent-grade toluene (50 ml) in a large round-bottomed flask and stirred vigorously. 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-Tridecafluoro-8-iodooctane (26 g, 0.053 mol) was added, and the mixture was heated under reflux at 110 degrees C. for 24 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum giving 1-methyl-3-(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)imidazolium iodide (30.5 g) as a waxy solid. Potassium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate (TFES-K, 12 g) was added to reagent grade acetone (100 ml) in a separate round-bottomed flask, and this solution was carefully added to the 1-methyl-3-(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)imidazolium iodide which had been dissolved in acetone (50 ml). The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for approximately 16 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered using a large frit glass funnel to remove the white Kl precipitate formed, and the filtrate was placed on a rotary evaporator for 4 hours to remove the acetone. The oily liquid was then filtered a second time to yield the product, as shown by proton NMR.

EXAMPLE 1 EXEMPLIFIES THE POLYMERIZATION OF TETRAHYDROFURAN Example 1 Polymerization of Tetrahydrofuran (THF)

1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethanesulfonic acid (0.2 mis) is contacted with 20 mls of THF followed by acetic anhydride (0.75 ml) in a nitrogen flushed flask. 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluorosulfonate (Bmim-TFES, 2 mis) is added and the reaction is left at room temperature for 60 min. Upon phase separation the polyether glycol phase comprising the polymeric THF is separated from the ionic liquid/catalyst phase by decantation. 

1. A process for preparing poly(tetramethylene) glycol comprising: A) forming a reaction mixture comprising (1) tetrahydrofuran, (2) at least one catalyst, (3) at least one accelerator and (4) at least one ionic liquid having the Formula Z⁺A⁻, wherein Z⁺ is a cation selected from the group consisting of:

 wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of: (i) H (ii) halogen (iii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH; (iv) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene comprising one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, and optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH; (v) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl or unsubstituted heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and (vi) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and wherein said substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl has one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH, (2) OH, (3) NH₂, and (4) SH; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are independently selected from the group consisting of: (vii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH; (viii) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene comprising one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, and optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH; (ix) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl, or C₃ to C₂₅ unsubstituted heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and (x) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl, or C₃ to C₂₅ substituted heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and wherein said substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl has one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH, (2) OH, (3) NH₂, and (4) SH; wherein optionally at least two of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ R, R⁹, and R¹⁰ can together form a cyclic or bicyclic alkanyl or alkenyl group; and A⁻ is R¹¹—SO₃ ⁻ or (R¹²—SO₂)₂N⁻; wherein R¹¹ and R¹² are independently selected from the group consisting of: (a) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH; (b) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene comprising one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, and optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH; (C) C₆ to C₂₅ unsubstituted aryl or unsubstituted heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and (d) C₆ to C₂₅ substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl having one to three heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, N and S; and wherein said substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl has one to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of: (1) —CH₃, —C₂H₅, or C₃ to C₂₅ straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkane or alkene, optionally substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, F, I, OH, NH₂ and SH, (2) OH, (3) NH₂, and (4) SH; at a temperature of from about 0 degrees C. to about 75 degrees C.; thereby forming a polyether glycol phase comprising poly(tetramethylene) glycol and an ionic liquid phase that comprises at least one catalyst; and B) separating the polyether glycol phase from the ionic liquid phase comprising the at least one catalyst, thereby forming a separated ionic liquid phase.
 2. The process of claim 1 wherein A⁻ is selected from the group consisting of [CH₃OSO₃]⁻, [C₂H₅OSO₃]⁻, [CF₃SO₃]⁻, [HCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₃HFCCF₂SO₃]⁻, [HCClFCF₂SO₃]⁻, [(CF₃SO₂)₂N]⁻, [(CF₃CF₂SO₂)₂N]⁻, [CF₃OCFHCF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₃CF₂OCFHCF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₃CFHOCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₂HCF₂OCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₂ICF₂OCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, [CF₃CF₂OCF₂CF₂SO₃]⁻, and [(CF₂HCF₂SO₂)₂N]⁻, [(CF₃CFHCF₂SO₂)₂N]⁻.
 3. The process of claim 1 wherein said at least one ionic liquid is selected from the group consisting of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-butyl-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-octadecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, N-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)propylimidazole 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, N-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)ethylperfluorohexylimidazole 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate, 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate, tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl)phosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate, tetradecyl(tri-n-butyl)phosphonium 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonate, tetradecyl(tri-n-hexyl)phosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethoxy)ethanesulfonate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-(pentafluoroethoxy)sulfonate, (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)-trioctylphosphonium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-methyl-3-(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)imidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, and tetra-n-butylphosphonium 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(perfluoroethoxy)ethanesulfonate.
 4. The process of claim 1 wherein said at least one polycondensation catalyst is a homogeneous acid catalyst having a pKa of less than about
 4. 5. The process of claim 4 wherein said at least one catalyst is a homogeneous acid catalyst having a pKa of less than about
 2. 6. The process of claim 4 wherein said at least one catalyst is a homogeneous acid catalyst selected from the group consisting of inorganic acids, organic sulfonic acids, heteropolyacids, fluoroalkyl sulfonic acids, metal sulfonates, metal trifluoroacetates, compounds thereof and combinations thereof.
 7. The process of claim 4 wherein said at least one catalyst is a homogeneous acid catalyst selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, fluorosulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, phosphotungstic acid, phosphomolybdic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, nonafluorobutanesulfonic acid, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonic acid, 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonic acid, bismuth triflate, yttrium triflate, ytterbium triflate, neodymium triflate, lanthanum triflate, scandium triflate, and zirconium triflate.
 8. The process of claim 1 wherein the catalyst is used at a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the tetrahydrofuran reactant.
 9. The process of claim 1 wherein said accelerator is selected from the group consisting of carboxylic anhydrides, acyl halides, and carboxylic acids with a pK_(a) of less than about 6 in water.
 10. The process of claim 9 wherein said accelerator is selected from the group consisting of acetic anhydride, trifluoroacetic anhydride, acetyl chloride, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, formic acid, cyanoacetic acid, nitropropionic acid, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.
 11. The process of claim 1 wherein the molecular weight (Mn) of the poly(tetramethylene) glycol is in the range of about 400 to about 20,000 Daltons.
 12. The process of claim 1 wherein the separated ionic liquid phase is reused to form the reaction mixture. 